Early post-infection, the reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA genome into double-stranded viral DNA. The RNase H domain of the reverse transcriptase performs two functions. It degrades the RNA template and specifically removes the RNA primer from the RNA/DNA hybrid. Following nuclear import, the integrase catalyzes the insertion of the linear, double-stranded viral DNA into the host cell chromosome. Endogenous Pol proteins may have kept, lost or modified their original function during evolution.

emplate and specifically removes the RNA primer from the RNA/DNA hybrid. Following nuclear import, the integrase catalyzes the insertion of the linear, double-stranded viral DNA into the host cell chromosome. Endogenous Pol proteins may have kept, lost or modified their original function during evolution.